Opec Aims for Fourth Straight Hurdles Win in Coral Finale

James Owen’s Opec will look to secure her fourth consecutive victory over hurdles in the Grade Two Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow on Friday, part of the Welsh Grand National undercard.

The daughter of Sea The Moon had a dramatic start to her hurdling career, falling while leading at Market Rasen during the summer. However, she has since gone unbeaten, claiming victories at Wetherby, Fakenham, and Newbury, with her latest triumph coming in Listed company, where she dominated her rivals.

Trainer James Owen is eager to see how Opec measures up at this higher level. “She should be four from four over hurdles. She enjoys it, and it looks like she’s improving,” said Owen. “It’s going to be a tough ask against the boys, but she’ll like the track and the ground. This race will tell us which direction to take with her.”

Owen has been a standout in the juvenile hurdling division this season, with his East India Dock making waves after an 18-length victory in the Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham last month. Currently the 6-1 favourite for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, the Golden Horn gelding will next target the Finesse Hurdle on Festival Trials Day, January 25.

“He’s going for the Finesse Hurdle next month,” Owen confirmed, as his team continues to shine in the juvenile ranks.